Carbohydrate gummies show promise in boosting golf performance

The authors of the new study from Japan conclude: “Continuous intake of carbohydrates during the golf round attenuated the decline in interstitial glucose level and prevented fatigue in the controlled trial from the middle of the golf round.”

Additionally, results showed that concentration was maintained in the last half of a round. 

“These findings suggest that continuous carbohydrate intake with gummies may be effective in attenuating fatigue and maintaining the concentration of competitive golfers,” the authors conclude.

The study was funded by the Bourbon Corporation, Niigata, Japan, manufacturer of the ‘Fettuccine Gummi’ used in the study.

Significance​

Golf is a sport that demands both physical endurance and high-level cognitive abilities. 

The extended duration of an 18-hole round and the combination of critical decision-making, motor skills, and walking distances can lead to physical and mental fatigue, negatively affecting performance.

It has been recommended​ that endurance athletes who engage in exercise longer than 1 h should ingest carbohydrates at a rate of 30–60 g per hour to maintain carbohydrate oxidation and delay fatigue.

However, according to the authors of the new study, previous research has not explored the effects of carbohydrate intake on golfers specifically. 

According to research, hypoglycemia during golf​ can lead to concentration loss, irritability, impaired judgment, cognitive performance acme​, and high ratings of self-perceived fatigue​.  

This study therefore aimed to investigate the impact of continuous carbohydrate intake on interstitial glucose levels, golf performance, and cognitive abilities in competitive male golfers.

The study​

Twelve male competitive golfers were recruited from the Kanto Students Golf Association First Division between February and March 2022.

The study was a randomised repeated-measures crossover design, where participants ingested carbohydrate-supplemented gummies at a quantity of 30g per hour of carbohydrates during a round of golf, then, after a one week washout period,  performed the same round without the gummies, and vice versa.

Before both test rounds, participants consumed a standardised breakfast consisting of 635 kcal, 12% protein, 25.1% fat, and 48.3% carbohydrates. 

In a pre-screening, initial data collected included age, competition participation status, anthropometry, and physical health.

Participants were fitted with a device to measure interstitial blood glucose levels, and cognitive performance was evaluated using an adapted visual analogue scale (VAS)​ questionnaire.

Golf performance was measured based on scores, 2.5 m putting test, club head speed, driving distance, and accuracy. 

Results indicate that the interstitial glucose level was significantly higher in the intake group than in the no intake group.

Perceived levels of fatigue (PLF) was significantly lower in the intake group than in the no intake group.

The authors conclude: “As a practical application, competitive golfers should plan nutritional supplementation to maintain interstitial glucose during a round of golf.”

Limitations​ 

The authors do note that there were limitations to the study, stating: “Placebo gummies with noncaloric artificial sweeteners were not ethically used in this study because they exceeded the maximum no-action dose.

“Therefore, the study design may have influenced the cognitive performance results to a small degree.”

They add that with the use of carbohydrate-supplemented gummies used, the effect of chewing could not be eliminated, as previous studies have shown that chewing is associated with attenuated brain activity​ and cognitive performance.​

Journal: Nutrients

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/14/3245​

“Effects of Continuous Carbohydrate Intake with Gummies during the Golf Round on Interstitial Glucose, Golf Performance, and Cognitive Performance of Competitive Golfers: A Randomized Repeated-Measures Crossover Design.”

Authors: Yosuke Nagashima, Kiyohiro Ehara, Yoshitomo Ehara, Ayana Mitsume, Kie Kubo, and Shigeru Mineo.